2 Years Blogging and My Middle Bedroom - Starting from Here...

2 Years!

I knew my 2 year blog anniversary was this week, but I forgot about it until I got ready to publish this post! Thank you, sweet friends, who have stayed with me on my journey. You were and are still an unexpected joy in my life. 

I promised you I'd take photos of the room I've been working on the past few weekends, so here's my starting place.

As I told you in my last post, this antique iron bed is from England - it was the first piece of furniture I bought as an adult. It was an odd shade of tan, very chippy. I painted it black, and it has been black ever since.

The metal trim on it is brass that has been nickle plated, and it is wearing off in places. 

I have used a Waverly dust ruffle and pillow - off white and black. I am considering painting the bed white, but will put off the decision until I decide what to do with some of the other pieces in this room.

On the far side of the bed, I moved my "7" table. 

It allows enough access to change sheets and such. I don't plan to put a lamp on the table, but I have a plan for a hanging light on that side of the table. 

The bedside lamp that is being used now is part of a pair. I will probably use another lamp, so the pair can be used somewhere else. I have a number of odd lamps, I just have to pick one, maybe paint it and find a shade.

The small side table fits just barely in the space by the doorway to the art room. (The art room is a TOTAL messy jumble of boxes and things!)

I will probably keep the door open most of the time, so that corner will be empty. 

Just beyond the door opening is a vintage English oak chest. It was also an early adulthood purchase. It was once in much better shape - after surviving almost 30 years - 20 of them in a semi-arid environment that has loosened joints and caused the top to split. 

One of the doors joinery is also coming apart.

It has lovely details.

But some of the decorative trim around the bottom is missing.

I have always loved the pulls on this piece. And though I read about how many people dislike golden oak, I still like it.

Which is why I hesitate to paint this piece. I lack the necessary skills and tools to restore it the top properly. 

However I could use some wood filler, glue and paint, and make this piece whole again. 

And I do love the look of a mostly mixed-whites room...

With either a black bed OR a white one. 

A white bookcase will go in this corner by the closet. 

Martha will probably end up here, too. She's been waiting patiently for that new frock. Of course, she prefers dropcloth to other fabrics, so we're in good shape with that.

And if I do use bits of black in here, which I plan to do even if I paint the bed white, I will use my leather artwork.

They were formerly in my dining room. It will be fitting to use them in this room with English furnishings. They are most likely based on images of King James in 1607.

After all this, I'll let you know I'm leaning toward painting the oak chest and leaving the bed black. But I do value your opinions, so please let me know your thoughts!

Word for the Day:
2 Corinthians 8:10

And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.

Possibly Linking With
Sunday
http://www.twiggstudios.com	Sunday Show-off Link Party
http://www.bystephanielynn.com	Sunday Showcase Party
Monday
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/	Masterpiece Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://cedarhill-ranch.com	The Scoop
http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/	The Scoop
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/	Inspire Me Tuesday
http://cityfarmhouse.com/	Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.timewashed.com	Blissfully White Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://www.greenwillowpond.com/	What We Accomplished Wednesday
Thursday
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/	Thursday Open House Party
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/	Time Travel Thursday
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/	Treasure Hunt Thursday
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday

Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/	Furniture Feature Friday
http://redoux.blogspot.com/	Friday Redoux Link Party
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com	Vintage Inspiration Friday
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com	Rustic Restorations Weekend
http://www.remodelaholic.com/	Fridays on Remodelaholic
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/	Fabulously Creative Friday
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/	Flaunt it Friday
http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/	What’s Shakin’ Link Party
http://vintageinteriorblogs.blogspot.com/	Weekend
Saturday
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/	Saturday Nite Special
http://too-much-time.com	Get Schooled Saturday
http://www.bedifferentactnormal.com/	Show and Tell Saturday

Curbside Finds, Total Rethink, and Lights at the End of the Tunnel

Lately, I've been a bit out of sorts, like this little table.
Not that anything bad has happened, but plans have been tweaked - quite a bit. But first, the table:

This table was found by the curb decades ago. It has always been missing a drawer. It has also aquired a slight case of wobbly-ness over the years, but hey, so have I.

I have used this table for most of the time I've had it. Usually, it has served as a bedside table, sometimes with a tablecloth covering it's flaws, sometimes with the gaping, drawer-less hole facing a wall so it was not noticeable. 

In spite of it's flaws, this table is a great size for a bedside table in a small bedroom. It has nice proportions, plus a little shelf on the bottom for a basket or some reading materials.

Most recently, it had been in Mason's room/the ex-guest room as the inside bedside table. You know; the one that allows just enough room to walk on the far side of the bed so you can change sheets. I had round cloth with a square scarf over it - two complementary fabrics. When he moved out, and the cloth came off, there was a "mystery stain" in the white paint.

Wiping with a damp cloth or scrubbing with a magic eraser didn't touch it, so I tried a palm sander.

It worked well enough. I think a little dark wax ought to make any residual stain and scuffs look like "character" instead of just more curbside junk. 

I have plans to make a fake drawer cover, too. I'll blog about it along with other small projects I'm working on in my new bedroom.

Speaking of my new bedroom - plans have changed. After moving my queen bed in there, it was just too large for the room. I wanted two bedside tables, so I moved the queen bed to the other bedroom. Let me just say: MOVING A QUEEN MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING BY YOURSELF IS NOT FUN. I have now done it twice.

I have a vintage black iron bed from England. It's one of the first pieces of furniture I ever bought - almost 30 years ago. I paid $125.00 for it at a nice antique store in Houston. (It needed paint.) It was a funny tan color when I bought it, so I painted it black. I have seriously considered painting it white recently, but for now, it's staying black. I'll post about it this weekend, after I take some photos, and ask your opinion.

Here's a similar one I found on Pinterest:

source unknown

Now, my modern primitive white bedroom with aqua accents has changed to a vintage English bedroom in light neutrals and black. It's ok with me. This room may end up being the guest room anyway, but until I get the other bedroom set up to my satisfaction, I won't know for sure. The walls in this room are a much lighter greige than the example photo. 

I have also changed my mind about which chest of drawers, side chair, and other items work best for this room. Finally, all the components may be in place, though some if not all of them will need to be painted. 

One of the items I'll use is an antique oak chest. It has issues, just like the little curbside table, though it was in great shape when we bought it at an auction 28 years ago. 

Those of us who live in semi-arid areas know our furniture from other more humid places can develop cracks and loose joints due to the lack of moisture. I will need to repair this piece and decide whether or not to paint the oak. I'm leaning toward paint, in case you were wondering...

I still have tons to do, but the to do list is getting more fun!
I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel - at least in this room!

I promise to take photos this weekend and post again.

Word for the Day:
Isaiah 9:2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

Recent Listings and Sales on Etsy...

New Listing - Vintage Brass Box with Cloisonne Lid

The following items have either been listed or have sold in my Etsy Shop. Some are listed as found, others are upcycled, painted, etc. 

The Best Thing I EVER Found in a Thrift Store...

You may have found something similar...that treasure you recognize when everyone else is going for the ten year-old flower arrangements from Hobby Lobby.

You first notice the form, then maybe the patina, and as you get a little closer, something catches your eye that tells you this is the real deal...

That's how it was for me. I was at one of my favorite little thrift stores on a Monday night when everyone there was going for the "anything on a hanger/half-price" deal. 

As I walked past the 1970s toasters and mis-matched coffee cups, I spied a beautifully shaped lamp amid all the slightly tacky ceramic "Southwest" style lamps from 1983.

An elegant form always catches my eye. Then I noticed the patina and I thought...MMMMMMETAL. 

As I picked it up, the cobalt blue enamel emblem caught my eye...and I thought...TROPHY.  Only then did I see the engraved loveliness below the pretty blue emblem:  "1931 SEVENTH FLIGHT WINNER"

And I thought...."This thing could be sterling silver...!!!"
There was no way to look at the base, as the trophy had been made into a lamp with a base attached. I stuck it in my buggy, did a quick once-over and found some ancient silver plate salt shakers - most likely from the same donor.

Trying ever so hard to appear nonchalant, I made my way to the register, followed by a hasty exit with my treasures hidden inside the official store bag - a flimsy off-brand kitchen garbage bag.  

My trophy lamp cost $3.93 and the salt and pepper shakers cost .87c - I felt like I had robbed the bank. For a split second, I had actually considered offering more...but I chickened out. 

Once home, I grabbed a wrench and went to work unscrewing the nut that held the lamp wiring to the wooden base, and saw this:

"SEDLACEK & CO.  STERLING  LOS ANGELES."

My next step was to Google the name. And of course, being the sports maniac I am, I had no idea what a "seventh flight winner" might be; sky diving? 

Here's what I found:

http://www.cowanauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=32806 

Two trophies, one exactly like my lamp, sold at auction for $517.50 in 2006. (silver was cheaper then) Of course, they were shiny, and didn't have the character (aka dings) mine does. And they were not lamps. And it was 7 years ago. 

Still, I think this may be the most valuable thing I have found in recent years at a thrift store. And I'll be listing it in my Etsy store...for more than $3.93.  Any idea what a fair price might be? It's weighted, so it would have to be destroyed to weigh the silver. Do you think the decorative charm of it might be more valuable than the weight of the silver? Any tips from knowledgeable bloggers are welcome!

Word for the Day:

Proverbs 2:1-5 - The Value of Wisdom

My son, if you receive my words
    and treasure up my commandments with you,
2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
    and inclining your heart to understanding;
3 yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Possibly Linking With
Sunday
http://www.twiggstudios.com	Sunday Show-off Link Party
http://www.bystephanielynn.com	Sunday Showcase Party
Monday
http://boogieboardcottage.blogspot.com/	Masterpiece Monday
http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com	Make it Pretty Monday
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com	Mod Mix Monday
Tuesday
http://www.knickoftimeinteriors.blogspot.com/	Vintage Inspiration Tuesday
http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/	Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
http://cedarhill-ranch.com	The Scoop
http://farmhouseporch.blogspot.com/	The Scoop
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/	Inspire Me Tuesday
http://cityfarmhouse.com/	Inspiration Exchange Linky Party
Wednesday
http://savvysouthernstyle.net/	Wow Us Wednesday
http://www.timewashed.com	Blissfully White Wednesday
http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/	What’s it Wednesday
http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com	Cottage Style Party
http://www.greenwillowpond.com/	What We Accomplished Wednesday
Thursday
http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/	Thursday Open House Party
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/	Time Travel Thursday
http://frommyfrontporchtoyours.blogspot.com/	Treasure Hunt Thursday
http://www.jannolson.blogspot.com/	Share Your Cup Thursday
Friday
http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/	Feathered Nest Friday
http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/	Frugal Friday
http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/	Fabulously Creative Friday
http://homespunhappenings-tammy.blogspot.com	Rustic Restorations Weekend
http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/	What’s Shakin’ Link Party
http://vintageinteriorblogs.blogspot.com/	Weekend
Saturday
http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/	Saturday Nite Special
http://too-much-time.com	Get Schooled Saturday